STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Rightful Heir" #40276-249 Story by James Brooks Teleplay by Ronald D. Moore Directed by Rick Kolbe THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Copyright 1992 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This script is not for publication or reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department. FINAL DRAFT MARCH 8, 1993 STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Rightful Heir" CAST PICARD DIVOK RIKER GOWRON DATA KAHLESS BEVERLY KOROTH TROI TORIN WORF VOICES (O.C.) GEORDI CROWD KLINGON VOICE COMPUTER VOICE Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. CREWMEBERS N.D. KLINGONS TWO N.D. SECURITY STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Rightful Heir" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE CORRIDOR BORETH READY ROOM OBSERVATION LOUNGE KLINGON SHIP SHUTTLE BAY TRANSPORTER ROOM SICKBAY WORF'S QUARTERS KAHLESS' QUARTERS HOLODECK/TEMPLE BORETH LAVA CAVE TEMPLE WORF'S CHAMBERS STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/09/93 - PRONUNCIATION STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Rightful Heir" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE ALWANIR al-WAH-ner GARIMAN GARY-man CARRAYA car-EYE-ah DIVOK DE-vok KOROTH KO-roth MOLOR MO-lor KRI'STAT KRE-stat LUSOR loo-SOR BAT'LETH BAT-leth BORETH BOR-reth GOWRON GOW-ron BORTAS BOR-tas QUIN'LAT KWIN-lat WARNOG WAR-nog KAHLESS KAY-less MOGH MOG Q'APLA k-PLAH STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Rightful Heir" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship at warp. 2 INT. MAIN BRIDGE DATA is in command, with N.D. CREWMEMBERS at all other positions. RIKER and SEVERAL CREWMEMBERS ENTER from the fore and aft Turbolifts. It's time to change shifts and while Riker moves to Data, the other members of Riker's shift take over their positions from the people on Data's shift. No one moves to relieve the N.D. Ensign standing at Tactical. DATA Good morning, Commander. RIKER Data. Interesting night? DATA I found it extremely interesting. The lateral sensor array performed three separate spectral analyses of the Alwanir Nebula on three distinct frequencies. RIKER Sorry I missed it. DATA (missing the ironic tone) I will have the reports sent to you. (begins making report) We are still on course for the Gariman system, our speed is warp six and our ETA is thirteen hundred hours. Sickbay reported one minor injury in the exobiology department at zero four twenty hours. RIKER Very well. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - TEASER 2. 2 CONTINUED: Riker glances up at Tactical and frowns. The Ensign is still standing there, waiting awkwardly. RIKER (to Data) Isn't Worf supposed to relieve Ensign Torigan? DATA Yes, sir. I was not informed of any change in the duty roster. RIKER (concerned) He's never late. (to com) Riker to Lieutenant Worf. Silence. RIKER Computer, locate Lieutenant Worf. COMPUTER VOICE Lieutenant Worf is in his quarters. Data and Riker exchange looks. RIKER Something's wrong. Data, you have the Bridge. (to com) Security, meet me on deck seven, section twenty-five baker. Riker EXITS. CUT TO: 3 INT. CORRIDOR Riker and TWO N.D. SECURITY CREWMEMBERS move down the Corridor and come to a stop outside Worf's Quarters. The Security Officers take up positions on either side of Riker as he reaches for the door panel. He presses it... no response. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - TEASER 3. 3 CONTINUED: RIKER (to com) Computer, override the security lock on this door. Authorization: Riker alpha six zero. The doors open to reveal a DARK and MURKY room filled with DENSE SMOKE. They cautiously EXIT to: 4 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS As Riker and the two officers ENTER the room. The room is filled with acrid smoke and is lit only with dimly seen ceremonial candles. They look about for a moment, trying to peer through the gloom. Suddenly, they are startled by a throaty ROAR out of the darkness. WORF'S VOICE TORVA LUK DO SHELL! 5 NEW ANGLE Revealing WORF sitting cross-legged on the deck in his bedroom. He is wearing some kind of Klingon ceremonial robe and he is staring into a small FIRE which is blazing in a stone firepit that is sitting in the center of the bedroom. The look on his face is feral, intense... Klingon. This, combined with the red light of the fire, the smoke, and the dark shadows make this an almost satanic, other-worldly scene. There is a beat, and then Worf lifts his eyes from the fire and sees Riker... his mouth twists into a snarl. RIKER (shocked) Worf? (beat) What the hell are you doing? Worf suddenly comes back to the here and now and the snarl on his face gives way to sudden realization... and surprise. Off their reactions... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 4. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes) 6 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship drops out of warp. 7 INT. READY ROOM Riker and PICARD are sitting at the desk. PICARD He had no explanation at all? RIKER Not a word. He just got dressed and then reported for duty as if nothing had happened. (beat) Captain, this isn't the first... problem I've had with Worf lately. PICARD (surprised) Oh? RIKER Until now, it wasn't anything serious so I didn't bring it to your attention. But, to be blunt, he's been getting... sloppy. His duty reports have been incomplete, he's fallen behind in maintenance checks, he just seems... distracted. Picard thinks for a moment. PICARD Where's Worf now? RIKER I confined him to quarters. Picard thinks for a another beat, then stands and heads for the door. PICARD You have the Bridge, Number One. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 5. 7 CONTINUED: RIKER Aye, sir. They both EXIT. CUT TO: 8 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS The smoke is gone, the normal lights are on, and the fire has been put out. Worf is lying on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. The door CHIMES. He hears it, but he seems listless, almost apathetic. The door CHIMES a second time. WORF Enter. 9 ANGLE ON DOOR As Picard ENTERS. He looks around the room... the ritual candles, lava rocks, and remnants of the fire pit are all still in evidence. The room is a mess, with Klingon implements and clothes lying all over the place. Picard carefully picks his way through the detritus and moves toward the bedroom. When Worf sees that it's Picard, he moves to a sitting position on the bed. WORF Captain. Picard notes the untidy room and Worf's indifferent attitude. He decides to give him a wake-up call. PICARD (hard) On your feet, Lieutenant. Worf's head snaps up at the tone in Picard's voice and he stands stiffly. WORF Sir. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 6. 9 CONTINUED: PICARD (firm) Mister Worf, your personal affairs are strictly your concern unless they interfere with the operation of this ship. You've crossed that line. Now as your Captain, I want to know exactly what's going on. Worf looks at him for a moment... and then responds both to the sound of command and the note of compassion in Picard's voice. WORF It is... difficult to explain. PICARD Try. Worf nods after a beat and seems to accept the need to get this out into the open. He moves about the room, wrestling with some inner turmoil. WORF Ever since I returned from the Carraya system I have felt... empty... Picard reacts to the mention of the Carraya system. He remembers Worf's reluctance to talk about this and he is careful not to push him too far. PICARD Does this have something to do with the Klingons you... rescued from Carraya Four? WORF (nods) They were young... they knew nothing of their heritage. So while I was there, I tried to... teach them... teach them about their people, their culture. A passion and fire comes into Worf's eyes and in his movements that was missing only a moment ago as he remembers his experiences. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 7. 9 CONTINUED: (2) WORF I told them our ancient stories... instructed them in our customs... explained our beliefs. And then I told them about Kahless... how he united our people long ago... how he gave us honor and strength... and how he promised to return one day and lead us again. (beat) It took time... but I saw them begin to discover the warriors within themselves... to believe in Kahless and his teachings... and to become truly Klingon. It was ... unlike anything I had experienced before. Picard looks down at the rocks and debris scattered around the room. PICARD Is that what you were doing here? Trying to recapture those feelings? WORF (nods) I was trying to summon a vision of Kahless. PICARD (lightly) You might have tried using the Holodeck instead of setting your quarters on fire. WORF Using the Holodeck would not be appropriate... everything had to be real if Kahless were to appear. (defeated) But all this was for nothing... he did not come to me. He moves to a small Klingon statue sitting prominently on a shelf and looks at it. WORF I gave Toq and the others a belief in Sto-Vo-Kor: the life which lies beyond this life... where Kahless awaits us. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 8. 9 CONTINUED: (3) WORF (Cont'd) (beat) When I saw the power of their belief... I began to question the strength of my own. And I found it... wanting. PICARD Have you lost your... faith in Sto-Vo-Kor? WORF To lose something, one must first possess it... I am not sure I ever had a true belief. Worf looks at Picard... feels guilty about the way he's been acting. WORF But I should not have allowed it to interfere with my duties. My behavior has been -- PICARD Inexcusable. (beat) But understandable. You are the only Klingon in Starfleet... and one of the few raised by human parents. Perhaps the problem is that you have only studied the beliefs of your people... only looked at them from the outside. Picard moves around the room for a moment. PICARD It may be that what you seek cannot be found on the Enterprise. You may need to immerse yourself in Klingon beliefs before you can discover whether they hold any truths for you. (beat) Is there anything you could do... any place you could go... to explore your faith more fully? Worf thinks for a moment. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 9. 9 CONTINUED: (4) WORF Boreth. The Followers of Kahless wait there for his return. To Klingons, there is no more sacred place. Picard considers him for a long beat. PICARD Boreth is twelve days from here by shuttle. As of this moment, you are on leave. WORF Thank you, Captain. PICARD I hope you find what you're looking for, Mister Worf. (beat) Because the next time you set foot on this ship I expect you to carry out your duties like a Starfleet officer. WORF Aye, sir. Picard EXITS. Worf moves back to the statue. Off his look... CUT TO: 10 EXT. BORETH (OPTICAL) The planet surface is mountainous... desolate... no cities or dwellings of any kind except for a single temple situated high up on the tallest mountaintop. 11 CLOSE ON WORF His eyes are closed and he is sweating heavily. WORF (low, intense) Torva... Luk... VOICES (O.C.) ... Do Shell... We MOVE to REVEAL that we are in: STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/11/93 - ACT ONE 10. 12 INT. LAVA CAVE Worf is sitting cross-legged on the floor of the cave along with SEVERAL N.D. KLINGONS including one named TORIN. All are dressed in ceremonial robes and are sitting around a smoking fire pit with their eyes closed. There are candles and Klingon artifacts in evidence with smoke drifting throughout the cave. The heat is intense and the scene should look like an expanded and more traditional version of the scene in Worf's Quarters in the Teaser. They've all been here for several hours. They all open their eyes and stare into the flames. One Klingon takes a small pail and pours some water on the flames, which then crackle and sizzle, sending out even more smoke. Suddenly, one young Klingon -- DIVOK -- looks up and reacts to something. DIVOK Kahless! I see Kahless! The others all look at him with pleasure except Worf, who is disappointed that he is not the one receiving the vision. Another Klingon, this one much older -- KOROTH -- the Head Cleric in charge of this place, nods in satisfaction. He is an older man, his hair mostly gray at this point, he is lean and trim -- a man whose life is uncluttered by indulgence of any kind. He wears a ceremonial garment that is part priestly vestment, part battle armor. Divok continues to watch something which only he can see. His face is drenched with sweat and he seems on the verge of total exhaustion. DIVOK He is standing before me... holding a sword... he wants something... me, he wants me! He wants me to go with him! Divok gets to his feet and starts to move toward the unseen vision. Worf and the others have to catch him before he falls into the fire. Divok practically collapses into Worf's arms, his energy totally spent. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/11/93 - ACT ONE 11. 12 CONTINUED: KOROTH It is a powerful vision you have had, Divok. Kahless has asked you to join him in Sto-Vo-Kor. You are only nineteen and yet your place among the honored dead is already secure Koroth motions to the others. KOROTH Take him back to his chamber. Let him sleep. Divok lets the others help him up some crude steps and out of the cave. Everyone EXITS except Worf. He remains standing near the fire pit, with defeat written on his face. After a beat, Worf dowses the fire with water and it goes OUT. CUT TO: 13 INT. WORF'S CHAMBERS A small, spartan room with a single hard bed, a bench and a crude chest. The building and furnishings are obviously quite old. It should look like a monk's room at a monastery. Worf is taking some personal items from the chest and packing them in his haversack. He is facing away from the open doorway when Koroth ENTERS. KOROTH You are leaving us. WORF (without turning around) It has been ten days, Koroth. But I have had no visions... I have received no insight. (beat) There is nothing for me here. Koroth takes a few steps in the small room. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT ONE 12. 13 CONTINUED: KOROTH What is the story of The Promise, Worf? Worf says nothing for a beat. WORF When Kahless united the people and gave them the laws of honor, he saw that his work was done. So one night he gathered his belongings and went to the edge of the city to say good-bye. KOROTH (picking up the thread of the story) The people wept... they did not want him to go. WORF And Kahless said, "You are Klingons. You need no one but yourselves. I will go now... to Sto-Vo-Kor. But I promise one day I will return." Then Kahless pointed to a star in the sky and said, "Look for me there... on that point of light." Koroth opens his arms and indicates the entire room. KOROTH So here we are... on a world circling that distant point of light. It has been over fifteen centuries since he made that promise... and still we wait. (beat) What are ten days in the life of one Klingon compared to that? Is the son of Mogh really so easily discouraged? STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT ONE 13. 13 CONTINUED: (2) Koroth turns away from Worf and moves a few steps away. KOROTH You came to us seeking answers... but this is a place of questions. Open your heart to Kahless... ask him your questions... let him speak to you with your mind unclouded by doubt or hesitation. Only then can you find what you are looking for. (beat) If you cannot do that... then perhaps you should return to your starship. Koroth EXITS. Worf takes a beat to consider the star in the wall. Off his expression... CUT TO: 14 INT. TEMPLE The Temple is more like a war room than a church. There are weapons on display everywhere, proud banners and emblems adorn the walls and the room is dominated at one end by a single ornate chair sitting on a raised platform. There is a bat'leth sword on the chair. There are a few spartan benches in the room. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT ONE 14. 14 CONTINUED: Worf ENTERS from a doorway and walks through the temple. No other Klingons are in sight and the Temple is completely still... only the low sound of the wind outside can be heard. He approaches a LARGE PAINTING on the wall. 15 ON PAINTING It is a heroic rendering of Kahless standing alone. He is dressed in a distinctive garment that is very different from the normal Klingon battledress. His features are clearly visible in the painting and he seems to beckoning someone to follow him. (Kahless lived centuries ago and so there should be no suggestion of anything remotely modern in the painting.) 16 RESUME SCENE Worf studies the painting for a moment. WORF (softly) I will open my heart, Kahless. (beat) I will... CUT TO: 17 OMITTED STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT ONE 15. 18 INT. LAVA CAVES - SEVERAL HOURS LATER Worf is sweating heavily as he concentrates... the smoke is thick in the air... Divok is sitting nearby watching and tending the fire. WORF Torva... Luk... Do... Shell... Worf opens his eyes and looks into the flames. 19 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) There is a long beat and then suddenly there is a SWIRL of SMOKE AND LIGHT on the opposite side of the fire from Worf. A FIGURE begins to COALESCE in the cave. Suddenly KAHLESS is standing before Worf in the cave. He is dressed in the same garments as seen in the painting. Worf's expression is one of awe and elation. WORF I see Kahless. 20 DIVOK Reacts to the sight with shock... how can he see Worf's vision? 21 WIDER As Kahless blinks for a second. Worf does not see Divok RUN OUT of the cave in terror. Worf stands up, unaware that anything is wrong. Kahless looks around for a moment... then steps forward. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 16. 21 CONTINUED: Kahless moves toward him and reaches out his hand. Worf hesitates, unsure what to do... and then he reaches out tentatively. They clasp hands just as Divok and SEVERAL OTHER KLINGONS -- including Torin -- coming running INTO the cave. They stop in shock at the sight of Kahless. Kahless looks up at them and Worf turns as well... he suddenly realizes that everyone can see Kahless! He turns back to him in shock. WORF You are... real? KAHLESS (in a strong, clear voice) I am Kahless... and I have returned. Off Worf's reaction... FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 17. ACT TWO FADE IN: 22 EXT. BORETH (OPTICAL) As seen before. 23 INT. TEMPLE Kahless ENTERS from the Lava Caves. The crowd of Klingons seen at the end of Act One are all following him in silent amazement. Worf is bringing up the rear of the crowd, stunned and shocked... unsure what to think or believe. Kahless strides into the center of the room and looks around for a beat. His gaze falls on the empty chair with the bat'leth sword. He smiles and moves toward it. He is about to pick it up when Koroth's voice booms out. KOROTH'S VOICE (o.c) What are you doing? 24 NEW ANGLE Revealing Koroth standing at the rear of the room, outrage clear on his face. The other Klingons exchange nervous glances among themselves and then part to let Koroth walk to the front of the room. Kahless faces Koroth calmly, confidently. KOROTH Who are you? Divok calls out to Koroth. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 18. 24 CONTINUED: DIVOK It is Kahless! Koroth glances toward the large painting seen earlier and then back to Kahless... the resemblance is uncanny. KAHLESS (quiet) I have returned. Kahless' gaze is intense, powerful... there is a magnetism and strength to this man that even Koroth can feel, but Koroth's eyes still narrow in suspicion. KAHLESS You doubt me. Kahless turns and looks at the gathered Klingons watching him with rapt attention in the Temple... waiting to see what he will do or say. His voice now rings out in the silence... strong and sure. KAHLESS (re: sword) Who here knows the story of how this sword was forged? People look at each other in puzzlement. Torin finally answers. TORIN No one knows. It is not written in the sacred texts. Kahless looks at Koroth, who is watching him carefully, then turns back to the crowd. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT TWO 19. 24 CONTINUED: (2) KAHLESS I went into the mountains... all the way to the Kri'stak Volcano. I cut off a lock of my hair and thrust it into the river of molten rock which poured from the summit. The hair began to burn, but then I plunged it into the lake of Lusor and twisted it into a sword. (turns to Koroth) And after I used it to kill the tyrant Molor I gave it a name: bat'leth, the sword of honor. The reaction on Koroth is profound. His eyes widen and he takes a step back, shocked by what he has heard. KOROTH You know... (turns to others) The story of the sword is known only to the High Clerics... it was never written down, so that if he returned, we could be sure it was Kahless. Satisfied with Koroth's acceptance, Kahless turns to the expectant crowd. KAHLESS I have returned because there is a great need in my people... they fight among themselves in petty wars and corrupt the glory of the Klingon spirit. They have lost their way. But it is not too late. I have returned and I will lead my people again! Koroth stands before Kahless and then very deliberately goes down on one knee. KOROTH Vorcha-doh-baghk, Kahless! (All hail Kahless) STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 20. 24 CONTINUED: (3) Then following his lead, everyone in the room drops to one knee... swept away by the emotion of the moment. Only Worf remains standing in the doorway to the caves... unsure what to do. CROWD Vorcha-doh-baghk, Kahless! Kahless looks out over the crowd with confidence. He sees Worf standing alone in the back of the room... their eyes meet for a moment, then Worf looks away, confused and uncertain. CUT TO: 25 INT. WORF'S CHAMBERS Worf ENTERS and goes directly to his haversack and begins looking for something. He pulls out a tricorder just as Kahless ENTERS behind him. KAHLESS What is it you are doing? Worf turns quickly, hiding the tricorder momentarily. After a beat, he pulls it out and shows it to Kahless. WORF I was getting my tricorder. KAHLESS Tri-Corder? Is it a weapon? WORF No. It is a tool. I was going to use it to see if you were... Worf trails off. KAHLESS (smiles) To see if I were real. Proceed. Use your Tri-Corder. Worf scans Kahless with the tricorder. He reacts with surprise to what he sees. KAHLESS Well? WORF You are... Klingon. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/09/93 - ACT TWO 21. 25 CONTINUED: KAHLESS What else could I be? WORF There are many possibilities... a shape shifter, a holographic projection... Kahless laughs gently. KAHLESS ... So, you are a skeptic, Worf. I like that.... WORF How do you know my name? KAHLESS We have met before. I appeared to you in a vision... in the caves of No'Mat... you were a child then... and I told you... (trying to remember) ... that you would do something... no Klingon had ever done before.... WORF (stunned) Yes... KAHLESS Was I ... correct?... WORF (nods) I... am the first Klingon to serve in Starfleet. KAHLESS (smiles) "Star-Fleet"... there are still many things you will have to explain to me. Worf looks at him with a mixture of puzzlement and awe. KAHLESS (continuing) You have a question. WORF Why did you appear when I was in the cave? Why not appear to Koroth, or Torin? Kahless smiles and puts a hand on his shoulder. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 21A. 25 CONTINUED: (2) KAHLESS Perhaps it is because you have the heart of a true warrior. (beat, studies him for a moment) You still do not believe it is me, do you Worf?... Worf takes a long moment... puts aside the tricorder and then meets his gaze again. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 22. 25 CONTINUED: (3) WORF I... want to believe. KAHLESS (smiles) That is a ... beginning... . Kahless gestures out the door and after a beat Worf moves toward the door. They EXIT together. CUT TO: 26 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship at impulse. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log: Stardate 46852.2. Our mission to Endora Seven has been cancelled on orders from Starfleet Command. The Enterprise is to proceed directly to the planet Boreth, to take aboard a very unusual guest. 27 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Riker, Data, and TROI are sitting at the table. RIKER Kahless? Hasn't he been dead for over a thousand years? DATA One thousand five hundred and forty-seven years to be exact. TROI Do the Klingons actually believe that this is the real Kahless? PICARD It would seem that at least Gowron believes it. He personally contacted the Federation Council and asked that a starship be sent to bring Kahless back to the Home World. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 23. 27 CONTINUED: RIKER Why wouldn't he send a Klingon ship? PICARD Gowron would only say that there were certain... security concerns which prompted him to make this request. As the nearest starship to Boreth, the task is ours. TROI Have we heard from Worf? PICARD No. All communication with Boreth has been cut-off since yesterday. That sounds ominous and they all exchange looks. Picard takes a beat, then gets up and heads for the door. PICARD Set course for Boreth, Number One. Warp six. RIKER Aye, sir. They all EXIT. CUT TO: 28 EXT. BORETH (OPTICAL) As seen before. 29 INT. TEMPLE The temple is swarming with Klingons... a massive celebration is underway complete with ample food and bombastic Klingon opera filling the air. Tables and benches have been brought in to fill the area. A large stone cistern is filled with liquid of some type and various Klingons plunge goblets into it and then drink heartily. The room is festive, almost giddy with celebration as Klingons slap each other around in macho goodfellowship. Kahless is sitting on the raised chair seen earlier. Koroth and Torin are both sitting near him, while Worf occupies a bench nearby. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT TWO 24. 29 CONTINUED: Worf is watching the proceedings with a reserved expression on his face... not joining in the celebration. Kahless is listening to Torin. TORIN (cautioning) Gowron is the Leader of the Council... he commands the entire Defense Force... if he chooses to oppose you... This doesn't faze Kahless in the least. KAHLESS (to Koroth & Torin) Do not worry. We stand on the threshold of a new era for our people... Klingons from all over the Empire... will flock to my banner... (beat) And yet something still weighs heavy on the brow of the son of Mogh... STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 24A. 29 CONTINUED: (2) Worf looks up and sees Kahless looking directly at him. A few heads turn and Worf is a little uncomfortable at this very public dialog, but he doesn't flinch from answering honestly. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 25. 29 CONTINUED: (3) KAHLESS (continuing) Are you contemplating yet another question for me? (ironic smile) After three days, I am beginning to wonder if you know how to do anything else. This elicits a few feeble chuckles, but there is a definite edge beginning to creep into Kahless' voice and more and more heads are starting to turn toward this conversation. WORF Questions are the beginning of wisdom... it is the mark of a true warrior. The smile on Kahless' face loses some of its mirth. The room gets a little quieter. KAHLESS But do not forget that a leader need not answer questions from those he leads... it is enough that he says to do a thing... and they will do it. If he says to run, they run... if he says to fight, they fight... if he says to die... (beat) ... they die. WORF Yes. If the... commander is worthy of their trust. The Temple is now dead silent... everyone is watching the exchange with mounting tension. The air crackles between the two men. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 26. 29 CONTINUED: (4) Kahless quickly stands, a feral look on his face. Without breaking eye contact with Worf, he moves into a clear space in the room. Kahless picks up his bat'leth and steps into the clearing and waits. 30 WORF Looks around for a beat... all eyes are on him. After a moment, Worf steps into the clearing and faces Kahless. Someone throws a bat'leth to Worf and he grips it tightly... they both tense and wait. 31 WIDER Koroth moves closer. He looks from Worf to Kahless and back. KOROTH E'Gok! (Begin!) Worf and Kahless swing their swords at each other and begin to fight. The fight is fast-paced... intense... each man looking for an opening, but finding none... The fight builds... the ferocity of the crowd grows with every blow... suddenly their swords lock together. Kahless pulls Worf backward and they both go flying into a nearby table. Both men scramble to their feet and face each other... there is a tense beat and suddenly Kahless ROARS with laughter. Worf and the crowd fall silent, unsure how to respond. Kahless' laugh fills the room for a moment... then he looks around at the astonished faces of the gathered Klingons. KAHLESS What is wrong? Is there only anger and bloodlust in your souls? Is that all that is left in the Klingon heart? (MORE) STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 27. 31 CONTINUED: KAHLESS (Cont'd) We do not fight merely to spill blood, but to enrich the spirit. Look at us... two warriors locked in battle, fighting for honor. How can you keep from ... singing... out for all to hear, (loud, broadly) ... "We are Klingons!"... There is a beat... and then smiles form on their faces... tentative at first. KAHLESS ... Yes! Let it out!... Let the joy in your heart be heard! He laughs again... and it starts to spread throughout the gathering. KAHLESS We are Klingons! They begin to shout and yell... a surge of emotion sweeps through the hall. The noise of the crowd becomes a shriek of pure joy. KAHLESS We are Klingons! Kahless turns and catches Worf's eye, who is standing in the middle of all this revelry with uncertainty. There is a moment and then Worf begins to smile. Kahless throws an arm around Worf and they move off into the crowd together... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 28. ACT THREE FADE IN: 32 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship is orbiting Boreth. 33 INT. SHUTTLE BAY Worf's shuttlecraft has just landed in the bay. Picard, Riker, and Troi are waiting. The shuttlecraft door OPENS and Kahless ENTERS from the shuttlecraft, followed by Koroth, Torin and Worf. Kahless looks around the bay for a beat... his attitude is curious about his surroundings, but not shocked by them. He's never been on a spaceship, but Kahless has that regal bearing that refuses to be over-awed by anything. Picard and Riker step forward. PICARD Welcome aboard the Enterprise. I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Kahless looks to Worf. KAHLESS (re: Picard) This is the... "human" you told me about? WORF Yes. Kahless turns back to Picard and claps him on the shoulder so hard it almost knocks Picard down. KAHLESS You must be a mighty warrior to command such respect. PICARD (recovering quickly) Thank you. Kahless' eye notices Troi and he beams with pleasure. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 29. 33 CONTINUED: KAHLESS And you do me a great honor by giving me one of your women. Worf quickly steps in. WORF They have... different ways. KAHLESS (unfazed) Ah. Then she is not a gift. WORF No. Koroth moves to Kahless' side. KOROTH It is as I said... we should be on a Klingon warship. This is not the place for us. KAHLESS Their customs may be different, but Worf tells me they are not dishonorable... and I am eager to see the weapons on this "Star-Ship." Picard moves in smoothly. PICARD I would be happy to arrange a tour of the entire ship for you, once you've settled in. Perhaps Commander Riker could begin by showing you your quarters. KAHLESS That is acceptable. RIKER Then, if you'll follow me... Kahless, Torin and Koroth follow Riker OUT of the shuttlebay. CUT TO: STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 30. 34 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Riker, Troi, Data, GEORDI and BEVERLY are questioning Worf. BEVERLY (to Worf) Did you take any other tricorder readings... a neuro-physiology scan or an anatomical profile? WORF No. BEVERLY (to others) Then it's going to be hard to eliminate any possibility at this point. He could be a coalescent being taking Klingon form... a bioreplicant... or even a Klingon surgically altered to resemble Kahless... TROI I felt no deception or malice from him... just an over-whelming sense of confidence... almost arrogance. PICARD Worf, what are his plans when he returns to the Home World? WORF He wants to restore the glory of the Empire by purging it of dishonor and corruption. RIKER I don't think Gowron's going to like the sound of that. GEORDI That might have something to do with why he wanted a Federation ship to bring Kahless. Gowron may not want to be seen embracing this... Messiah before he knows what Kahless wants. PICARD Perhaps this Kahless is a... stalking horse for someone else... someone who intends to seize control from Gowron. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 32. 34 CONTINUED: (2) WORF It is not an... empirical matter. It is a matter of... faith. DATA Faith. Then you do believe Kahless may have... supernatural attributes? Worf is uncertain and he says nothing. DATA As an android, I am unable to accept something which cannot be proven through rational means. I would appreciate hearing your insight on this matter. WORF Perhaps some other time, Commander. I do not believe I could provide much... insight at the moment. Data nods and they both EXIT. CUT TO: 35 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship goes into warp. 36 OMITTED STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 31. 34 CONTINUED: RIKER Like the Duras sisters... DATA Or the B'nok faction. WORF There is another possibility. (beat) It could be the real Kahless. He may have actually returned... as he promised. Worf's statement is met with silence. Data breaks the uncomfortable quiet after a beat. DATA The appearance of Kahless in the lava cave is consistent with the stories found in the Klingon sacred texts. RIKER No offense, Worf... but I have trouble believing that the man I just escorted to deck eight is... supernatural. WORF I am not saying that he is... I merely think we should not completely reject the possibility. PICARD We have no reason to rule out anything. We haven't been ordered to discover the origins of our guest, or tell anyone what they should believe... we are simply to transport Kahless to the Home World... and while he's with us, he will be treated as an honored guest. Picard stands and the meeting breaks up. Everyone heads for the door, but Data stops Worf for a moment. DATA Lieutenant. May I ask you a personal question? (off his nod) In the absence of empirical data, how will you determine whether or not this is the real Kahless? STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 33-34. 37 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS Worf is showing Kahless a ceremonial knife. WORF It was given to me during my Rite of Ascension by a man who had known my father. Kahless takes the knife... feels the heft of the weapon. KAHLESS (surprised) Did you observe the Rite here... among these aliens?... WORF No... I returned to the Home World for the ceremony. But these... aliens have allowed me to conduct other Klingon rituals on the Enterprise. They understand that it is part of me. KAHLESS You mentioned a son... where is he? STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 35. 37 CONTINUED: WORF He is visiting my adoptive parents on Earth. KAHLESS Will he understand our ways growing up among all these... aliens? WORF I have instructed him in our traditions... but Alexander will have to find his own path... as I did. Kahless considers the knife for a moment. KAHLESS A good knife... well forged. But even the best blade will rust and grow dull unless it is cared for... Kahless returns it to Worf who replaces the knife in a sheath. Kahless moves about the room, noting the various artifacts and Klingon emblems. KAHLESS I was concerned that living with aliens would dull your edge. (beat) I am pleased to see that I was wrong. Kahless moves directly to Worf and puts a hand on his shoulder. KAHLESS You have stood alone among these aliens... kept our traditions and our customs... held on to your heritage with no guidance from a Klingon mother or father... and you were willing to face me in single combat knowing that you had no chance to win. (beat) You are Klingon... and I would be proud to fight with you at my side. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 36. 37 CONTINUED: (2) Kahless' force of personality and magnetism give the words a profound impact on Worf. The greatest Klingon warrior of them all has just validated his entire life. The look on Worf's face is pride mixed with awe for Kahless. Off Worf's expression... CUT TO: 38 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Riker in command, Data at Ops. DATA (off console) Commander, there is an incoming message. Text only. Riker moves to Ops. DATA It is from Gowron. He is aboard the Klingon ship Bortas and is requesting that we alter course to rendezvous with him. RIKER (reading console) The rendezvous coordinates are twenty-three light years outside the Klingon Border. What's he up to? (beat, then to Con Officer) Prepare to alter course. (to com) Captain Picard to the Bridge, please. CUT TO: 39 OMITTED 40 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE & KLINGON SHIP (OPTICAL) The Enterprise... moves close to a Klingon ATTACK CRUISER. 41 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) Picard is standing near the platform as GOWRON and an N.D. Klingon Aide MATERIALIZE. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 37. 41 CONTINUED: Gowron is wearing his leader's cloak on his shoulders and a scowl on his face. The Aide is carrying some kind of ceremonial box. Gowron moves directly to Picard, tension and rage in his every move. PICARD Welcome aboard, Gowron. GOWRON (short) Where is he, Picard? PICARD I assume you're referring to Kahless. GOWRON I am referring to the filthy pahtak who is using his name. PICARD Well, the... person in question is in his quarters at the moment. Gowron and the Aide head for the door and Picard quickly goes with them as they EXIT. 42 INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS Gowron, the Aide, and Picard ENTER from the Transporter Room. GOWRON (rapid) What have you learned about him so far? What kind of medical analysis have you done? Do you have any theories about his true origin? PICARD We haven't done any analyses. GOWRON What kind of fools do you have working for you, Picard? The imposter's been aboard for nearly a day. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 38. 42 CONTINUED: PICARD If you wanted to run tests on Kahless, you should've sent a Klingon vessel for him. GOWRON And have him begin spreading his poisonous lies through a ship of loyal Klingons? Never. PICARD If he's really an imposter you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Gowron stops and turns on Picard. GOWRON Kahless has been dead for a thousand years... but the idea of Kahless is still alive. Have you ever fought an idea, Picard? It has no weapon to destroy, no body to kill. The idea of Kahless' return must be stopped here. Now. Or it will travel through the Empire like a wave... and leave nothing but destruction behind. Off Picard's reaction. CUT TO: 43 INT. KAHLESS' QUARTERS Kahless, Koroth, Torin, and Worf are listening to Picard. PICARD ... so Gowron has come aboard in order to test your claim. KOROTH (with contempt) Gowron knows his days are nearly over... so now he comes crawling aboard with some kind of "test." STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 39. 43 CONTINUED: TORIN We do not have to prove anything to Gowron. KAHLESS What is this... test? PICARD He has brought a knife with him... a knife that was supposed to be stained with the blood of Kahless. TORIN (appalled) Gowron has brought the Knife of Kirom? No one is permitted to remove it from the sacred vault. KOROTH Gowron does not care about what is sacred. PICARD (to Kahless) Gowron wants to run a genetic analysis on a sample of the blood and on you. It should tell us if there is a... biological match. (beat) If you agree to the test... I will make the Enterprise facilities available to... ensure that it is conducted impartially. Kahless seems genuinely unconcerned about all this he lets his gaze wander over to Worf, who is struggling with his own feelings. He and Worf exchange a long look. KAHLESS Perhaps it is time to settle the doubts of those who do not yet believe... (beat) I will allow the test. Off their reactions... CUT TO: STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/09/93 - ACT THREE 40. 44 CLOSE ON KNIFE It is very old and stained with blood. A HAND enters the frame and waves a medical SCANNER over it. MOVE TO REVEAL that we're in: 45 INT. SICKBAY Beverly is scanning the knife with the scanner and holding her tricorder in the other hand. Gowron, the Aide, Worf, and Picard are watching. She finishes the scan. BEVERLY All right... that should do it. Beverly puts the scanner back in the tricorder and works it for a moment. The Aide carefully replaces the knife in the ceremonial box seen earlier. BEVERLY Computer, run a genetic comparison on this blood sample and the tissue belonging to Kahless. 46 INCLUDE WALL MONITOR (OPTICAL) As Beverly moves to the large wall monitor and activates it. The screen is scrolling two DNA IMAGES side by side... scanning them and comparing them. Everyone watches the screen anxiously. Finally the scan is complete and the image stops scrolling. The two DNA patterns are identical. COMPUTER VOICE The genetic patterns are identical. GOWRON (stunned) But how... how can this be? Worf stares at the screen for a moment... then an expression of pure joy comes across his face. WORF It is true... Kahless has returned. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 41. 46 CONTINUED: Off his expression... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 42. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 47 INT. KAHLESS' QUARTERS Koroth and Torin are looking over some PADDS at a table. The door CHIMES. KOROTH Enter. Worf ENTERS. He seems happy, content, a man who has just entered a wonderful and enriching time in his life. WORF Koroth, Torin. (looks around) I had hoped to speak with Kahless... Koroth and Torin exchange glances. KOROTH (apologetic) Another time, Worf. There is much for Kahless to do before we arrive at the Home World... many things to consider. A little disappointed, Worf begins to move toward the door. KAHLESS' VOICE (o.c.) Worf? STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/10/93 - ACT FOUR 43. 48 NEW ANGLE Revealing that Kahless has just ENTERED from the bedroom. He smiles warmly and clasps Worf on the shoulder in goodfellowship. KAHLESS Where are you going? Worf glances at Koroth and Torin. KOROTH (gently) Kahless, it might be better if -- KAHLESS (impatient) Go away, Koroth. I've listened to you and Torin until my ears burn with politics. Let me and Worf be alone for a while. Koroth wants to object, but Kahless' wishes are pretty apparent. Koroth and Torin exchange uneasy glances, then bow to the inevitable. KOROTH As you wish. Koroth and Torin EXIT. Kahless moves to a pitcher sitting on a table and pours a drink for himself and Worf. KAHLESS They are good men. But they chatter like tree hens. Kahless laughs and Worf laughs with him. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/10/93 - ACT FOUR 44. 48 CONTINUED: He hands the goblet to Worf and they each take a swallow. Worf screws up his face in distaste. WORF I am sorry our replicators do not do justice to Klingon Warnog... Kahless takes another taste... then shakes his head. He can't taste the difference. KAHLESS It has been so long since I have tasted any food or drink... there are many things I have forgotten. Worf is a little disturbed by this... some flaws are showing up in his hero. There is a quiet beat. WORF Kahless, may I ask you about... death... and Sto-Vo-Kor? Tell me what awaits us beyond this life. Kahless moves to the window and looks out into space. He says nothing for a long moment. Worf waits with anticipation... hoping that the secrets of life and death are about to be unveiled to him. Finally Kahless turns back to him. KAHLESS I do not have those answers. Worf's disappointment and confusion is obvious. Kahless moves to him... for some reason he seems eager to explain. KAHLESS I am merely a... traveller... someone who has journeyed back and forth between this world and the next. (beat) While I am in this form, I know only about this world... STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 45. 48 CONTINUED: (2) Worf nods in understanding. KAHLESS And there is much work for me to do in this world... and you will be part of it, Worf. WORF (surprised) Me? KAHLESS (smiles) It was your purity of heart that summoned me back from Sto-Vo-Kor... and Koroth has told me about the respect you have earned in the Federation and the Empire. I want you to have a place at my side as we restore honor to our people. Worf is overwhelmed by this thought... Kahless moves back to the window and looks out into space. He's much more confident now. KAHLESS Let me tell you about the new Empire we will forge... CUT TO: 49 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Worf is standing at the window looking out into space in the same position that we just left Kahless. Gowron is sitting at the table. Worf's expression is eager and optimistic. WORF ... it will be glorious. Worf smiles and looks out into space for a beat. Gowron is not swayed by anything Worf has told him... he scowls at Worf in bitterness. GOWRON It will be war. Worf turns back to him in irritation, but Gowron will have no more of this. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 46. 49 CONTINUED: GOWRON You are not a fool, Worf. Do you really think that every Klingon in the Empire will bend his knee and grovel before this man just because Koroth says he is Kahless? WORF He is Kahless. Your own test proved it. GOWRON I will not hand over the Empire to Koroth because of one test. WORF It is not Koroth, it is -- GOWRON Of course it is Koroth. Open your eyes... Koroth and the other "Guardians" have always opposed me. This is nothing more than a ploy for them to finally seize power. Gowron takes a beat... moves to the windows and looks outside for a moment. GOWRON Even now, there are warriors on my own ship who want to see Kahless... there are others who believe he is an imposter... the divisions are already forming... WORF It does not have to be that way... we could all join together and welcome Kahless as a united people. GOWRON Don't you see? This is exactly why they want you to join them... because your brother sits on the Council and your voice carries weight in the Empire. They want you to influence others to follow them. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 47. 49 CONTINUED: (2) Gowron considers him for a moment... tries a different approach. GOWRON Worf, we fought together once... side by side to keep the Empire from being torn apart... will you stand by and let these impostors destroy all that we fought so hard to protect? (beat) Renounce him, Worf. Stand with me and we can hold the Empire together. Worf looks at him for a moment... then shakes his head sadly. WORF You do not understand. Kahless is our future... only with his help can we revive the pure warriors within ourselves. (beat) Listen to him, Gowron... open your heart and hear his words as I have. He will restore your faith... as he has restored mine. Give him a chance to lift your spirit and cleanse your heart before you take up arms. Gowron appears to be considering Worf's words. Off Worf's confident expression... CUT TO: 50 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & KLINGON SHIP (OPTICAL) The two ships hang in space together. 51 INT. CORRIDOR Worf and Koroth are walking toward the Holodeck. Koroth is disturbed. KOROTH You should not have arranged this without my approval. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/11/93 - ACT FOUR 48. 51 CONTINUED: They stop outside the Holodeck doors. WORF I did. Kahless approved. A long beat before Koroth answers in a low, tight voice. KOROTH Yes. Yes, of course he did. Worf touches the computer panel and they both EXIT to the Holodeck. 52 INT. HOLODECK/TEMPLE - CONTINUOUS The Holodeck has recreated the same Temple as seen earlier. Koroth and Worf ENTER and find Data and Torin waiting for them. Koroth moves to speak privately with Torin, while Data approaches Worf. DATA Lieutenant, would my presence here be inappropriate? I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to study Klingon beliefs in this forum, but I do not wish to give offense. WORF Kahless welcomes all who come to hear his words. Your presence will not give offense. DATA Thank you. They both turn at the SOUND of the Holodeck doors OPENING. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT FOUR 49. 53 INCLUDE DOORWAY Just as Gowron (wearing his cloak), and SEVERAL N.D. KLINGONS ENTER from the Corridor. They are escorted by THREE N.D. ENTERPRISE SECURITY GUARDS. Gowron and Koroth trade spiteful looks. GOWRON Koroth. I see that not all fools die young. Suddenly an o.c. Klingon interrupts. KLINGON VOICE Kahless! They all turn and see Kahless ENTER the Temple. Gowron's men are shocked and even Gowron can't help but show some surprise as Kahless moves confidently into the room. Gowron glances from Kahless to the large painting on the wall... he can't deny the unmistakable resemblance. Worf smiles at their reactions. Kahless sits in his chair. Data takes an unobtrusive seat in the back. KOROTH Kahless, may I present Gowron, Leader of the High Council. Kahless gives him a regal nod. KAHLESS You may sit. Gowron decides to bide his time for the moment. He sits on one of the benches and they follow suit. Kahless looks at them for a moment... he seems completely in charge... when he speaks, he keeps his voice quiet and controlled. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 50. 53 CONTINUED: KAHLESS Long ago, a storm was heading for the city of Quin'lat. Everyone took protection within the walls except one man who remained outside. I went to him and asked what he was doing. "I am not afraid," he said. "I will not hide my face behind stone and mortar. I will stand before the wind and make it respect me." I honored his choice and went back inside. The next day, the storm came... and the man was killed... The wind does not respect a fool. (beat) Do not stand before the wind, Gowron. A murmur goes through the crowd... the other Klingons are clearly awestruck by Kahless and the force of his personality, but Gowron's attitude only hardens. GOWRON What was his name? KAHLESS What? GOWRON If you were really there, you should be able to tell us the name of the man outside the walls. KOROTH What kind of question is that? GOWRON I did not ask you, Koroth. I asked him. (to Kahless) Describe him to us... what was he wearing? How tall was he? What color were his eyes? Koroth is definitely agitated, but Kahless seems unconcerned. KAHLESS I do not remember. It was long ago, and in another lifetime. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 51. 53 CONTINUED: (2) KAHLESS (Cont'd) (stands, strong) All that matters is that I have returned to restore faith and hope to my people... to lead them back to the way of honor... to the glory that was once theirs and can be again. Is that what you oppose, Gowron? Gowron stands and faces him squarely. GOWRON I oppose you. I say you are not Kahless... and I will not bend my knee to you as long as I can draw a breath or pick up a blade. Gowron drops his cloak, pulls a knife from his belt and stands waiting for Kahless. Koroth starts to move between them, but Worf stops him. WORF (to Koroth) No. I do not believe Kahless will kill him. Koroth stops and steps back, but his look of worry is directed at Kahless, not Gowron. Kahless calmly pulls a knife of his own and the two men square off in the center of the room. They circle each other warily for a moment, seeking an opening. Kahless is confident and calm... Gowron is deadly. Gowron takes a swipe at Kahless, who parries it. Kahless smiles... he's trying to transcend the moment as he did with Worf in Act Two. KAHLESS A good try, Gowron... but not enough. Kahless makes an attack of his own, but Gowron easily stops it and he fights back viciously. Kahless backs up under the assault... then throws off Gowron for a moment. Kahless laughs loudly. Gowron looks at him in puzzlement. KAHLESS You have no joy, Gowron. Is your heart so filled with distrust and suspicion that you have forgotten what it is to be truly Klingon. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 52. 53 CONTINUED: (3) But Gowron's heart cannot be turned as easily as Worf's. He suddenly lunges for Kahless, knocking him back... a few more blows and Kahless' knife goes flying out of his hand. Kahless is knocked down, helpless. Gowron moves in for the kill, raising his knife in the air and preparing to plunge it into Kahless' chest. Suddenly Worf rushes in and grabs his arm, preventing him from striking. The room is utterly silent... everyone is transfixed by the image of Worf saving the mightiest warrior of them all from being killed. Gowron smiles and relaxes... he pulls the knife away and looks down at the helpless Kahless in triumph. GOWRON (mocking) "Kahless... the greatest warrior of them all... " Off Worf's stunned reaction... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 54. 54 CONTINUED: WORF (hard) There is no future here... no glorious new era for our people. (moves to Kahless) Gowron was right, you don't know the name of the man who faced the storm... you don't even know what real Warnog tastes like... and you certainly are not the greatest warrior of all. (beat) Whoever you are... you're not Kahless. The words seem to sting Kahless and Koroth moves to get Worf out of here. KOROTH You've said enough, now get out. Worf grabs Koroth, slams him against the wall and glares into his eyes. WORF (deadly) You are using the name of Kahless in some twisted game... for that alone you should die... and if you do not tell me what you have done, I will kill you right here. Koroth looks into Worf's eyes, sees that he means it... then looks at Torin. Torin drops his eyes and looks away. Finally Koroth acquiesces and Worf releases him. Koroth takes a couple of steps around the room, gathering his thoughts before speaking. This is very difficult for him. KOROTH (to Kahless) The problems with your memory... are a result of... the way you returned. KAHLESS What do you mean? KOROTH (beat, glances at Torin) We -- the Guardians -- have been awaiting your return for centuries. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/09/93 - ACT FIVE 55. 54 CONTINUED: (2) KOROTH (Cont'd) (beat) But we did not have the technology to bring you back until now. We were able to use an organic sample of the first Kahless to... give you life. KAHLESS The first Kahless? Worf suddenly realizes what happened. WORF (shocked) A clone. He is a clone. KAHLESS What is a... clone? WORF (disgusted) A being created in a laboratory... from genetic material taken from another being. You are a copy... a fraud. KOROTH (to Kahless) You are not "just" a copy. We gave you more than the body of Kahless. TORIN We found a way to imprint specific information into your neurosynaptic patterns... we gave you memories. And not just any memories... we gave you the experiences of Kahless as written in the sacred texts. Kahless stands... walks around the room, trying to understand what he's hearing... KAHLESS So I did not do any of the things I remember... I was never at the city of Quin'lat... I never went to the Kri'stat Volcano... (beat) But what about Worf? I remember apparing to him in the caves of No'Mat when he was a boy... STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 56. 54 CONTINUED: (3) TORIN We gave you that memory as well. Worf told me of his vision when he first arrived on Boreth. KOROTH You were not... awakened until the moment we transported you into the cave... and you appeared to Worf. Before that time you were unconscious... in a laboratory where we accelerated your growth, corrected any genetic anomalies that occurred, and gave you the wisdom and memories that -- WORF They grew you in a test tube... like some kind of fungus... then programmed you like a machine. Kahless reacts, stung by the words. KOROTH (defensive) You are twisting the truth. Worf has had enough of this, his anger boils to the surface. WORF You talk to me about the truth? You, who have brought this... lie to life and then called it Kahless? KOROTH It is not a lie! Genetically, he is Kahless. And he is needed by our people. You know better than anyone the corruption and dishonor that is destroying the Empire. They need him. WORF They do not need a false god. KOROTH How do you know that this is not the way the prophesy was to be fulfilled? Who is to say that what we did is wrong? STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 56A. 54 CONTINUED: (4) WORF I am. And I will not let this... fraud continue. Worf moves toward the door, but Koroth quickly stands in his way. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/11/93 - ACT FIVE 57. 54 CONTINUED: (5) KOROTH Worf, you cannot tell Gowron about this. But Worf is not in the mood to be stopped so easily. He glares hotly into his face. WORF (low, deadly) Do not give me orders, Koroth. But Koroth doesn't back off. KOROTH All right. I won't tell you what to do. But consider this: Do you want Gowron's corruption to infect every corner of the Empire? Do you want our people to continue sacrificing their honor until they are no different from Romulans? (beat) If you tell Gowron what we have told you, it will destroy -- (nods at Kahless) -- him... and with him the last chance to restore hope to our people. It's your choice. Worf steps back, looks one last time at Kahless, then EXITS. CUT TO: 55 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & KLINGON SHIP (OPTICAL) The two ships as seen before. 56 OMITTED STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT FIVE 58. 57 INT. HOLODECK/TEMPLE The Temple as seen before. Worf ENTERS and sees TWO N.D. KLINGONS sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the Kahless painting with a couple of lighted candles and Klingons artifacts in front of them. Worf is surprised to see them here... he begins to move closer to them, but before getting there, he hears Data's voice. DATA'S VOICE (o.c.) They have been here for three hours seventeen minutes. 58 NEW ANGLE Including Data, who is sitting on one of the back benches, observing. DATA They refused to transport back to the ship with the rest of Gowron's men. They insisted on waiting here until they see Kahless again. Their faith appears to be unaffected by his inability to defeat Gowron. They still believe. Worf looks at them with pity. WORF Then they are fools. DATA Does that mean you no longer believe this is the real Kahless? STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 59. 58 CONTINUED: WORF (difficult) Yes. Data considers. DATA I am curious. Do you still believe that the real Kahless will return someday? Or has this experience only deepened the spiritual crisis which originally sent you to Boreth? WORF I... do not know. DATA I understand your dilemma. I once had what could be considered a crisis of the spirit. WORF (shocked) You? DATA Yes. The Starfleet officers who first activated me on Omicron Theta told me that I was an android -- nothing more than a very sophisticated machine in human form. (beat) However I realized that if I were simply a machine, then I could never be anything else -- I could not grow beyond my programming. I found that difficult to accept. (beat) I chose to believe that I was a person, that I had the potential to become more than a collection of circuits and subprocessors. (beat) It is a belief that I still hold. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 60. 58 CONTINUED: (2) WORF How did you come to your decision? DATA I believe I made a... "leap of faith." Worf looks over at the Klingons sitting on the floor. As he considers Data's words... CUT TO: 59 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Gowron and Koroth are both trying to browbeat Picard into agreeing to their requests while Kahless sits at the table in silence... a man watching others argue over his fate. TWO N.D. SECURITY GUARDS stand watch in the b.g. GOWRON (re: Kahless) I will not allow the Enterprise to enter Klingon space with him on board. KOROTH (to Picard) The Klingon High Council asked you to bring Kahless to the Home World. Only they can withdraw the request. The Enterprise must continue on its mission. GOWRON There is no mission, Koroth... your plan has failed. KOROTH I will enjoy watching the life bleed from your veins. PICARD Gentlemen, please. Let us stick to the issue at-- Worf ENTERS the room. He moves to Kahless and the two men share a silent look for a moment. PICARD Mister Worf? STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 61. 59 CONTINUED: WORF Captain, will you excuse us for a moment? Beat. PICARD Of course. Picard stands and indicates for the Guards to follow him. They all EXIT. Once they're gone, everyone looks to Worf to see what he will do. After a beat, Worf moves to Gowron. WORF The man that appeared to me on Boreth is not the real Kahless. He is a clone. GOWRON A clone! WORF Yes. Koroth looks bitter and disappointed. Gowron looks at him in triumph. GOWRON (to Koroth) Did you really think you would get away with this kind of fraud? I will have you and this abomination put to death with -- WORF (hard) It does not matter, Gowron. You will still not be able to stand against him. GOWRON What? He's not real. You just said so. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 62. 59 CONTINUED: (2) WORF I said he was not the real Kahless... but in the minds of our people he can be just as powerful as Kahless. (beat) Even now, two members of your own crew are sitting on our Holodeck... waiting for him to return. GOWRON I do not care what they think. WORF They are not alone... like many of our people, they need something to believe in... just as I did... something larger than themselves... something that will give their lives meaning. They need Kahless. GOWRON But when they find out the truth... ? WORF It will not matter. Despite the facts, they will still believe... They will... make a leap of faith... and there will be others just like them... not everyone... but enough to plunge the Empire into civil war if you oppose them. GOWRON What are you saying? That I should just... hand over the Empire? WORF No... that would be unwise as well. KOROTH Then what are you proposing, Worf? Worf moves to Kahless and looks at him. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 63. 59 CONTINUED: (3) WORF You were right about one thing, Koroth... our people are becoming corrupt and decadent... they need moral leadership. Kahless can be that leader... as Emperor. GOWRON (outraged) There hasn't been an Emperor in three centuries! WORF The political power would remain with the High Council. Kahless would be... a figurehead. But he would have the ability to rally the people... to lead by example... and guide them in spiritual matters. KOROTH The title is meaningless without the power to back it up. Worf ignores him and addresses Kahless directly. WORF Real power is in the heart. You would have the power to mold the Klingon heart... you could return them to honorable ways... according to the original teachings of Kahless, which are within you... it would be a great challenge, if you have the courage to accept it. GOWRON And what will we tell the people about their new Emperor? That he appeared in a cave or a laboratory? WORF We will tell them the truth... all of the truth. But we will also tell them that even if he is not the real Kahless... he is the rightful heir to Kahless. GOWRON And if I refuse to go along with this? STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 64. 59 CONTINUED: (4) WORF Then my brother and all who support him on the Council will fight you... and I will fight you... and the Empire will fall back into civil war. Gowron considers that for a moment... finally turns to Koroth. GOWRON What do you say to this, Koroth? Koroth thinks for a moment... then turns to Kahless KOROTH What I say is unimportant. What do you say? Kahless and Worf exchange a long look... then Kahless finds some strength deep down within himself and he rises up out of the chair, regal and proud. KAHLESS It is acceptable. Koroth drops to one knee. Worf looks at Gowron, then Worf goes down on one knee. KAHLESS Join with me, Gowron. Let us usher in this new era together. Gowron takes a beat, looks at Kahless, then finally bends his knee as well. GOWRON (softly) Vorcha-doh-baghK... Kahless. Off the look on Kahless' face. CUT TO: 60 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) Worf is saying good-bye to Kahless. KAHLESS Farewell, Worf. WORF Good-bye. STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/09/93 - ACT FIVE 65. 60 CONTINUED: There is a trace of sadness in Worf's voice and a dispirited look on his face which Kahless picks up on. KAHLESS What's wrong? You should be proud of what you have accomplished. Worf shakes his head. WORF I went to Boreth to find my faith... and for a time I thought I did... but now, my heart is empty again. I do not know what to believe... KAHLESS You doubt the real Kahless will return one day... you doubt that he is still waiting for you in Sto-Vo-Kor? Worf nods. Kahless takes a beat and then reaches deep down inside... and when he speaks it is the first inkling of what this man can one day become for his people... a true leader. KAHLESS Kahless left us -- all of us -- a powerful legacy... a way of thinking and acting that makes us Klingon. If his words hold wisdom and his philosophy is honorable... then does it really matter if he returns? What is important is whether we follow his teachings... perhaps the words are more important than the man. Worf considers this for a moment. KAHLESS Q'apla, son of Mogh. WORF Q'apla... Kahless. Kahless steps up on the stage and then DEMATERIALIZES. Off Worf's thoughtful expression... CUT TO: STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 66. 61 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & KLINGON SHIP (OPTICAL) The Klingon ship peels off from the Enterprise and leaves. 62 thru OMITTED 63 END OF ACT FIVE THE END